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From making snow at Eldora to running a ski school in China, this group of 20-somethings is a highly accomplished lot.

The ski industry is on the cusp of a major shift. Nearly 40 percent of U.S.-based resort general managers are age 60 or over, according to NSAA. When all of these leaders retire, they’ll take about 3,000 years of experience with them.

Enter the young guns. Our industry has long thrived on superstars in supporting roles, but perhaps more than ever, the focus is on the crop of enthusiastic and passionate Millennials who are gearing up to assume leadership roles at ski areas. If this year’s 10 Under 30 is any indication, the future is in good hands.

SAM received more than two dozen nominations this year, diverse in geography, position, and sector. They came from marketing, guest services, snowmaking, retail, sales, admin, rental, retail, and mountain ops. Interestingly, nominations didn’t come only from coworkers—ski area suppliers and subcontractors also jumped in. One person received a whopping 11 nominations. Yet this group represents just a fraction of the young talent at resorts across North America.

Congrats to all the nominees, and a big “thank you!” to our readers who took the time to put them on our radar.

CHARLES BACON

STIRLING COBB

BEN COLONA

DUSTIN COMBS

BECCA DESCHENES

KAELA GILLUM

SAGE MCDERMOTT

IAN NAUDAIN

BRENDAN RYAN

BRITTANY SMITH

Click on a Nominee to read his or her full profile, complete with full interviews. We think you'll agree that it's an impressive group. Now let us know which six-word bio inspired you the most...and get everyone in your organization to vote—there are bragging rights at stake! — The Editors

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How do you feel about Donald Trump winning the presidential election?

Trump is our savior. He will make America great again.
This is a great opportunity to correct our political system.
Trump will be a boon to the ski and ride business.
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